In a significant move to bolster their pitching rotation, the New York Mets have officially signed 31-year-old Dominican right-hander Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million contract. The agreement, announced on December 4, 2024, includes a player opt-out option after the 2025 season, providing Montas with flexibility based on his performance and future market conditions.
Mets’ President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are excited to bring Frankie into the organization and add a quality arm to our major league rotation. Throughout his career, Frankie has flashed some of the best stuff in the game. He’ll provide a stabilizing presence to our pitching staff and can contribute on and off the field.”
Montas’ journey to the Mets has been marked by both impressive performances and challenges. In 2024, he split his time between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, making 30 starts with a combined 7-11 record and a 4.84 ERA over 150.2 innings. Notably, after a midseason trade to the Brewers, Montas improved his strikeout rate from 19.0% to 28.7%, indicating a return to form as the season progressed.
This signing aligns with the Mets’ strategy of securing high-upside pitchers on shorter-term deals. Montas’ contract mirrors the approach taken with Sean Manaea in the previous offseason, where the Mets capitalized on a pitcher’s potential resurgence. Montas’ history includes a standout 2021 season with the Oakland Athletics, where he finished sixth in American League Cy Young voting, underscoring his capability when healthy.
However, the Mets will need to navigate early challenges, as Montas has been sidelined for at least six weeks due to a strained back.
This development underscores the importance of depth in the Mets’ pitching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Overall, the Mets’ acquisition of Frankie Montas reflects a calculated investment in a pitcher with a high ceiling, aiming to strengthen their rotation and build upon the team’s recent successes.
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